Former council officer was unfairly dismissed, tribunal rules

Mr Harrison’s dismissal followed the signing of a flawed contract with parking firm NCP, which cost the council hundreds of thousands of pounds to settle.

The tribunal found that Mr Harrison was unfairly dismissed due to procedural errors followed by the council in the investigation and disciplinary process.

A statement from the council today said it was ‘disappointed’ with the ruling but stated it was satisfied the tribunal also ruled Harrison’s ‘conduct and negligence contributed to his dismissal and that he must accept substantial responsibility for the serious consequences that the council faced as a result of his actions’.

Compensation was therefore awarded at 50 per cent of the claimed amount.

The council and its solicitors will now examine the judgement in detail prior to any remedy hearing.